New Settlement Community Center

There isn’t much good I can say about this place. When my family and I walked in, I was happy that the place was very clean, the staff was super nice and the pool was big. When I saw my baby swimming I was super excited and of course I was going to take pictures, is an amazing milestone! WRONG! The lifeguard immediately blew his whistle getting my attention that I couldn’t take pictures. They said that is an invasion of privacy to the other parents that does not allow pictures of their kids taken by somebody else. That I understand but not take pictures of my daughter? Strike one. Next week we go in and we made it late to class because people take over the private bathroom like it’s their OWN private bathroom! I had to change my daughters dirty diaper on a bench!!! And when I get inside the pool with my daughter, I see that they are kicking my husband out stating that he can’t come in because «is too crowded». I was furious!!! We pay our money so «lifeguard» can teach my daughter to swim and we can’t enjoy the moment? By the way the lifeguards are a bunch of kids who don’t even know the nursery rhymes. If they had a contract that clearly states their rules about no phones, no pictures, and no parents I would gladly agree and never signed my daughter to this class. They change the rules every week, add something, change something and yet we didn’t sign a contract agreeing that we have to agree to their rules. My advice, don’t waste your money. Save your money and sign up at a better place for swimming lessons. This place is a joke just like the lifeguards teaching the class.

This is what the Bronx should aim to have in order to beat obesity in our borough. The community center is the best thing to hit this area since… well EVER. Honestly I have lived here since I was 5 years old and this has definitely been a well received addition to the neighborhood. For just $ 25 dollars (students pay 25, adults with no current school ID pay $ 50 for the year) you can join this center and take part in different activities. The pool is available on a fixed schedule for no additional charge. There are some great workout classes for people of different age groups, but these may require a small additional fee. They currently offer free work out, boxing and self defense classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings; you don’t have to be a member to attend, they are open to the public. These classes will definitely get your heart rate going. The Alvin Ailey Dance teachers come and provide different courses throughout the year. There are also swim classes for people of different ages and skill levels, Cappoiera, yoga, etc– there is something for everyone.
The center is clean, the staff is very friendly and best of all it stops people from having an excuse for being chubby– you can work out right there for free!!!
I highly recommend getting yourself a membership and trying out all this center has to offer.